Freedom. Adventure. Design Your Perfect Van Life.
We’re Gail & Steve – Our passion is exploring North America one breathtaking road at a time in our Sprinter van, Alice. Here you’ll find the travel guides, stories, and road-tested gear that help make your own journey unforgettable.
🏜 Desert & Canyon Adventures
Red rock landscapes, slot canyons, scenic drives, and desert hikes across the Southwest.
⛰ Mountain & Forest Escapes
Waterfalls, wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and cooler-weather adventures.
🌊 Coastal & Lakeside Travel
Fishing villages, shoreline walks, harbor towns, and time spent near the water.
🚐 Road Trips & Van Life Planning
How we plan routes, choose camps, find unplanned stops, and live simply on the road.
Enjoy discovering new places?
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Life on the Road, Designed Your Way
At Van Life By Design, we share expert tips, travel guides, and gear recommendations for life on the road. From iconic national parks to hidden desert trails, we explore North America in our Sprinter van, Alice, to help you plan smarter adventures and travel with purpose.
What You’ll Find at Van Life By Design
Discover practical travel guides, inspiring stories, and the tools to design your own adventures — whether that’s weekend escapes or long-term van life. We share:
- Detailed hiking and travel guides for top destinations like Sedona, Maine, and Custer State Park.
- Road-tested van life tips on gear, setups, and sustainable travel.
- Affiliate-backed resources that help fund the journey — from Harvest Hosts to our favorite travel apps.
Explore Our Favorite Places
From the red rocks of Arizona to the rugged peaks of Colorado, we’ve spent years exploring some of the most beautiful corners of North America.
Start your journey by diving into one of our favorite regions below.
Sedona
Discover Sedona’s magic — where desert sunrises, hidden canyons, and vortex hikes make every trail unforgettable.
Read Sedona Adventures →
Colorado
Experience high-altitude beauty with Colorado’s dramatic peaks, glacier lakes, and endless hiking trails.
Explore Colorado Trails →
Maine
Charming harbors, rugged coastlines, and small towns that feel timeless — Maine is where adventure meets calm.
Visit Coastal Maine →
Van Life
Get inspired by real stories from the road — tips, routes, and sharable lessons we’ve learned from life on wheels.
Read Van Life Stories →
Ready to Start Your Own Adventure?
Explore our Travel Guides or follow along on Instagram @VanLifeByDesign for daily inspiration from the road.
